Abstract

This study is the first comprehensive investigation of the antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities of a crude extract from Nitraria schoberi L. (Zygophyllaceae) fruits. The extract was tested against four Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter lwoffii) and one Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria using the agar disc diffusion and microdilution methods. P. aeruginosa was inhibited the most (widest inhibition zone) while K. pneumonia showed the largest MIC value. The antioxidant activity of fruits (0.02 mg/mL vs. 0.04, 0.06 and 1.00 mg/mL for alpha-tocopherol, butylated hydroxyanisole and ascorbic acid, respectively) was determined by the paired diene method. The antifungal activity of N. schoberi fruits was tested against different fungi, including Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, with 300 mu g/mL of fruit extract being the most effective concentration. The percentage of anti-inflammatory activity assayed for N. schoberi fruit extract at 100, 200 and 500 mu g/mL was 36.12, 59.89 and 88.33 , respectively. N. schoberi fruits possess potent antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, and may be used as an antibacterial and antifungal to treat diseases and/or as a protective agent against disorders associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.